Staying Safe on Slippery Roads

Jennifer Coates/Eyewitness News 9
Published: January 22, 2008
Updated: January 22, 2008

Winter's not over yet and slippery roads can make for dangerous driving conditions. Nine is on Your Side with some advice to keep you safe:

If you come across snow or ice: reduce your speed gradually.
Start to move in second or high gear, and slowly release the clutch if you have a manual transmission, or use second gear with an automatic transmission.
Pump the brakes gently to slow the car down. That gives the tires better traction.

If you find yourself in a skid:

slowly ease your foot off the accelerator.
Turn the steering wheel in the direction the rear of the car is skidding and be careful not to over-steer.
Keep your car's gas tank at least half full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
And be sure to have an emergency kit in your car.

Troopers also want to remind drivers just because a road may look clear, it doesn't mean it's safe to drive the speed limit. Be aware of wooded areas - often trees cover the road and create patches of black ice.